Lead is a Japanese vocal and dance group formed on 2002-05-23 in Osaka. It has been active since 2002 and is associated with Pony Canyon. It works in a dance-pop, j-pop, and pop rap style, built on choreography, harmonies and live performance, with R&B and hip-hop influences.
The original lineup was 中土居宏宜, 古屋敬多, 鍵本輝, and 谷内伸也. After 中土居宏宜 left the group on 2013-03-31 and retired from entertainment, Lead continued as a trio with 古屋敬多, 鍵本輝, and 谷内伸也.
Lead debuted on 2002-07-31 with the single "真夏のMagic" on FLIGHT MASTER. The group received the New Artist award at the 44th Japan Record Awards for "Show me the way". It later won Gold awards at the 46th and 47th ceremonies for "Night Deluxe" and "あたらしい季節へ".
Lead Tracks 〜listener's choice〜 was compiled from 105,571 votes gathered in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. In anime, Lead performed "STAND UP!", the ending theme of "Katekyou Hitman Reborn!". In 2016, the 7th album "THE SHOWCASE" reached No. 2 on the Oricon weekly chart.
